History of Soda Tabs

Soda tabs are one of those everyday items that seem small yet feel impossible to imagine life without. It’s understandable—canned beverages have been around since the 1930s, just after the success of canned foods, which were first produced as early as 1915. Cans revolutionized storage and convenience, and as beverages joined the movement, the can's slim, cylindrical design became iconic. Early cans were made from aluminum or steel and sealed with flat tops, requiring a special tool known as a “church key” to open. This tool punctured two holes in the top—one for drinking, and a smaller one to allow air in so the liquid could flow smoothly.

The first soda tab design, very similar to the one we use today, was invented by Ermal Fraze. His inspiration came from a classic picnic mishap: he was out with cans of beer but no church key to open them! After brainstorming a solution, Fraze invented the “Pull Tab”—a small tab that could be lifted and pulled off to expose the drinking area. While revolutionary, the tab had to be discarded, leading to litter as people tossed them on the ground or dropped them back into their drinks.

In the mid-1970s, Coors Beer Company stepped in to solve the growing litter problem with a new design that would keep the tab attached to the can. They developed a tab that pushed down into the can instead of pulling off, with a “blister” on top to guide the thumb for easier pushing. However, this design came with a new issue: people often cut their fingers on the sharp edges of the opening—an accident especially common after a few drinks. Recognizing the need for a safer solution, Coors refined the design into the modern soda tab we use today, which combines the best features of both the pull and push styles. Today’s tab is easy to lift, stays attached, and provides a smoother, safer opening experience.

From humble beginnings, the soda tab has evolved alongside our lifestyle, becoming an everyday essential and even a nostalgic symbol for many. Whether it’s a fun reminder of childhood soda breaks or a relic of summer memories, the soda tab has become an unexpected icon of convenience and culture.